News

Rees family creates pair of scholarships to Rio

June 10, 2014

RIO GRANDE, Ohio – With roots firmly planted in Gallia County, the Rees family has created a pair of scholarships to the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College to honor their family and serve southeastern Ohio.

The Floyd Rees Memorial Scholarship and the Thelma Rees-Ohio Valley Bank Scholarship were made possible by $20,000 in gifts from Larry and Laura Rees. Each scholarship is endowed at $10,000, with scholarships awarded annually through interest generated.

As lifelong Gallia County residents, Larry, 70, said his parents would have wanted to give back in some way.

“My father would appreciate the educational legacy and giving students the opportunity to make a dream happen,” Larry said. “He would have wanted to aid deserving students.”

The Floyd Rees Memorial Scholarship honors the patriarch’s chosen professions, and will be awarded annually to a Rio Grande student pursuing a certificate or degree in Welding or Fine Woodworking.

Floyd was employed as a welder at the Navy shipyard in Point Pleasant during World War II. He later worked at auto shops in Gallipolis and after retirement took up woodworking and clock making.

The Thelma Rees-Ohio Valley Bank Scholarship will be awarded annually to a high school graduate from Gallia, Jackson, Meigs, Vinton or Mason (West Virginia) counties who demonstrates financial need. In recognition of Thelma’s 35 years with OVB, scholarship recipients will be selected by a committee of Rio alumni who are current OVB employees.

Both scholarships may be granted for tuition, fees, books, room and board. For more information or to apply for scholarships, please contact the Rio Grande Financial Aid Office at 740-245-7278 or rio.edu/scholarships.